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Philippians 2:19-30
Recap of 10/7/07:
1. The growing selfishness and pride of the Philippians must be replaced with selflessness and humility. Pride destroys relationships and hinders ministry now as then.
2. Timothy is a prime example of humility. He genuinely cared for the Philippians. He put the needs of others ahead of his own. They did not know Jesus when He walked the earth but they could see Jesus in Timothy.
3. Gene Getz suggests the following questions based upon this passage:
-What do people say about me? Do I get positive feedback from those closest to me that would indicate that I have a good reputation as a Christian—from my wife, my children, my friends?
-Do more and more people seek me out as a person and share their lives with me? Do people trust me with confidential information?
-Do my relationships with people grow deeper and more significant the longer they know me and the closer they get to me? Or do my relationships grow strained and shallow as people learn to know what I am really like?
-Am I using my age or some other psychological or physical problem as an excuse to keep me from becoming a mature Christian personality?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
A Shining Testimony (Phil. 2:12-18)
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Recap of 9/30/07:
1. Paul was concerned about the corporate testimony of the church at Philippi. Their witness was beginning to be hurt by their selfishness and pride, and conversely their lack of humility, and was leading to disunity.
2. Paul encourages them toward humility (the attitude of Jesus) by reminding them that God would enable (energize) them toward right desires and right actions. He would give them the power to carry out His will for them.
3. God energizes us and our witness through the Word of God (1 Thes 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3ff).
4. Instead of relying upon God and His power, they were grumbling and disputing with each other. While they were to be lights to the world, they were acting more like the darkness around them.
Recap of 9/30/07:
1. Paul was concerned about the corporate testimony of the church at Philippi. Their witness was beginning to be hurt by their selfishness and pride, and conversely their lack of humility, and was leading to disunity.
2. Paul encourages them toward humility (the attitude of Jesus) by reminding them that God would enable (energize) them toward right desires and right actions. He would give them the power to carry out His will for them.
3. God energizes us and our witness through the Word of God (1 Thes 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3ff).
4. Instead of relying upon God and His power, they were grumbling and disputing with each other. While they were to be lights to the world, they were acting more like the darkness around them.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Time For A Tune-up
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Philippians Series
Chapter 2:1-11
Recap of 9/23/07:
1. The Philippians should have been unified because of the spiritual realities they shared in Jesus, and because of His selfless example of humility.
2. Instead there was a growing problem of disunity in the church.
3. True unity in a church is only possible where there is humility lived out by the members.
4. The Philippians were one in Christ, had received His love, were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and had experienced the tenderness and compassion of Jesus Christ. It was inconceivable that they would, in light of that, live selfishly.
5. Jesus is the prime example of selfless living in that He willingly veiled His glory and limited the exercise of some of His attributes and prerogatives to become the God-man. His humility extended even to the worst kind of death. Jesus exemplified living for and serving others rather than insisting on His rights. He “yielded for the good of others.”
Philippians Series
Chapter 2:1-11
Recap of 9/23/07:
1. The Philippians should have been unified because of the spiritual realities they shared in Jesus, and because of His selfless example of humility.
2. Instead there was a growing problem of disunity in the church.
3. True unity in a church is only possible where there is humility lived out by the members.
4. The Philippians were one in Christ, had received His love, were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and had experienced the tenderness and compassion of Jesus Christ. It was inconceivable that they would, in light of that, live selfishly.
5. Jesus is the prime example of selfless living in that He willingly veiled His glory and limited the exercise of some of His attributes and prerogatives to become the God-man. His humility extended even to the worst kind of death. Jesus exemplified living for and serving others rather than insisting on His rights. He “yielded for the good of others.”
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Noble Struggle
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Recap of 9/16/07:
1. Christians must live a godly lifestyle in keeping with their heavenly citizenship. Even as citizenship carries with it privileges and responsibilities so being a Christian (a citizen of Heaven) brings with it privileges and responsibilities. Does our lifestyle reflect the standards of the world or of Heaven?
2. We must be committed to the truth of the gospel, to defending essential doctrines, especially the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. We must defend it from those who would add works to grace.
3. We must understand that suffering and persecution are to be expected in the Christian life (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 1:11,12; 3:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16).
4. God uses suffering to perfect us, to perfect our faith and bring us to maturity (1 Peter 1:6,7; James 1:2-4).
Recap of 9/16/07:
1. Christians must live a godly lifestyle in keeping with their heavenly citizenship. Even as citizenship carries with it privileges and responsibilities so being a Christian (a citizen of Heaven) brings with it privileges and responsibilities. Does our lifestyle reflect the standards of the world or of Heaven?
2. We must be committed to the truth of the gospel, to defending essential doctrines, especially the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. We must defend it from those who would add works to grace.
3. We must understand that suffering and persecution are to be expected in the Christian life (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 1:11,12; 3:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16).
4. God uses suffering to perfect us, to perfect our faith and bring us to maturity (1 Peter 1:6,7; James 1:2-4).
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lessons from a Frog (Phil. 1:19-26)
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Recap of 9/9/07:
1. Paul looked forward to each day with anticipation because it was another chance to glorify Jesus Christ and to be useful to Him.
2. He found strength in the prayers of others for him and in the help given to him by the Holy Spirit.
3. We must pray for the needs of others (as well as our own needs), prayer for right thinking and right acting in all the challenges of life.
4. We must not rely upon our own strength but on God’s abundant provision to us through the Holy Spirit, yielding to Him daily.
5. As with Paul, we must be fully concentrated on magnifying Jesus Christ, making Him more clearly seen to those around us.
6. We ought to be making progress in our spiritual lives, not just marking time. (Phil 2:12-16; 3:12-14; 1 Tim 4:15,16a; Col 2:6-7; 2 Peter 1:5-9)
Recap of 9/9/07:
1. Paul looked forward to each day with anticipation because it was another chance to glorify Jesus Christ and to be useful to Him.
2. He found strength in the prayers of others for him and in the help given to him by the Holy Spirit.
3. We must pray for the needs of others (as well as our own needs), prayer for right thinking and right acting in all the challenges of life.
4. We must not rely upon our own strength but on God’s abundant provision to us through the Holy Spirit, yielding to Him daily.
5. As with Paul, we must be fully concentrated on magnifying Jesus Christ, making Him more clearly seen to those around us.
6. We ought to be making progress in our spiritual lives, not just marking time. (Phil 2:12-16; 3:12-14; 1 Tim 4:15,16a; Col 2:6-7; 2 Peter 1:5-9)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Important Thing Is...
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Recap of 9/2/07:
1. Key thought: Paul did not look at his limitations rather he looked at his possibilities.
2. Though Paul’s circumstances were not ideal (chained to a Roman soldier 24/7/365):
-he didn’t blame himself, God, or fate for his circumstances
-he was not negative about his circumstances
-his circumstances brought about new avenues for service for him, even the soldiers who guarded him were being influenced with the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, some were coming to faith.
3. Paul’s example and boldness was an example to others to be courageous in sharing their faith.
4. Whatever our “chains” (limitations), whether they are work-related, home-related, or school-related, whatever our situation, whatever is holding us back, we must look to God to show us the possibilities and help us to advance into new territory for His sake.
Recap of 9/2/07:
1. Key thought: Paul did not look at his limitations rather he looked at his possibilities.
2. Though Paul’s circumstances were not ideal (chained to a Roman soldier 24/7/365):
-he didn’t blame himself, God, or fate for his circumstances
-he was not negative about his circumstances
-his circumstances brought about new avenues for service for him, even the soldiers who guarded him were being influenced with the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, some were coming to faith.
3. Paul’s example and boldness was an example to others to be courageous in sharing their faith.
4. Whatever our “chains” (limitations), whether they are work-related, home-related, or school-related, whatever our situation, whatever is holding us back, we must look to God to show us the possibilities and help us to advance into new territory for His sake.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Intelligent Love (Philippians Series)
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Recap of 8/26/07:
1. Paul is mindful of the day of Christ Jesus (the rapture-the return of Jesus for the church). He was consumed by the thought of Christ’s return and of being ready and unashamed at His return. Paul was also concerned for those he taught that they would be ready as well. The issue for the believer at Jesus’ return is not salvation (that’s already settled) but of rewards for faithful life and service.
2. Paul’s love for the Philippians found its source in Jesus Christ. Jesus was loving them through Paul. Who is it that Jesus wants to love through us?
3. Paul prays that they might act in love making right choices and not causing others to stumble.
4. Love is so important because it is greater than spiritual experiences, spiritual gifts, faith, service, and knowledge (I Corinthians 13:1-3; 8:1; source John Stott)
5. Love is evidenced by concern for others, willingness to yield to others, willingness to forgive, and sacrificial service.
Recap of 8/26/07:
1. Paul is mindful of the day of Christ Jesus (the rapture-the return of Jesus for the church). He was consumed by the thought of Christ’s return and of being ready and unashamed at His return. Paul was also concerned for those he taught that they would be ready as well. The issue for the believer at Jesus’ return is not salvation (that’s already settled) but of rewards for faithful life and service.
2. Paul’s love for the Philippians found its source in Jesus Christ. Jesus was loving them through Paul. Who is it that Jesus wants to love through us?
3. Paul prays that they might act in love making right choices and not causing others to stumble.
4. Love is so important because it is greater than spiritual experiences, spiritual gifts, faith, service, and knowledge (I Corinthians 13:1-3; 8:1; source John Stott)
5. Love is evidenced by concern for others, willingness to yield to others, willingness to forgive, and sacrificial service.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Important Thing Is...
Click here to download the sermon file.
Part 4 of the Philippians series.
Recap of 8/12/07 & 8/19/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church (the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically: lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be
unified and an example of unselfishness.
“Partnership” (i.e.”fellowship, koinonia”) means “to have in common.” It is a bond that is deeper than friendship. It speaks of the bond we have together in the church because we are in Christ. It speaks of the salvation we share, our work together in getting out the gospel, our meeting each others needs, and the sufferings of Jesus.
5. When God begins a work in believers he finishes it. Whether the subject is salvation or the work God calls us to do, He doesn’t give up, He finishes what He begins.
Part 4 of the Philippians series.
Recap of 8/12/07 & 8/19/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church (the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically: lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be
unified and an example of unselfishness.
“Partnership” (i.e.”fellowship, koinonia”) means “to have in common.” It is a bond that is deeper than friendship. It speaks of the bond we have together in the church because we are in Christ. It speaks of the salvation we share, our work together in getting out the gospel, our meeting each others needs, and the sufferings of Jesus.
5. When God begins a work in believers he finishes it. Whether the subject is salvation or the work God calls us to do, He doesn’t give up, He finishes what He begins.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Partners in a Great Venture
Click here to download the sermon file.
Part 3 of the Philippians Series. References chapter 1:3-11
Recap of 8/12/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church(the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically their lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
3. He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be unified and an example of unselfishness.
Part 3 of the Philippians Series. References chapter 1:3-11
Recap of 8/12/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church(the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically their lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
3. He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be unified and an example of unselfishness.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Servants & Saints, Part 2
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Part 2 in the Philippians Series. Re-cap of August 5, 2007:
1. Christians are to respect church leaders for their works’ sake.
2. The biblical words Elder, Overseer (or Bishop), and Pastor (or Shepherd) all refer to the same church office or group of men.
3. Elders are qualified for the office on the basis of spiritual character, temperament, morality, ethics, reputation and service (things all believers should strive for), not on the basis of particular skills, status, or personality.
4. The duties of Elders include: general oversight of the church, monetary matters, feeding and leading, study and prayer, and warning and watching over the flock.5. Deacons are “servants” or “working helpers” who carry out specific ministry (especially in the area of material needs) under the direction of the Elders.
Part 2 in the Philippians Series. Re-cap of August 5, 2007:
1. Christians are to respect church leaders for their works’ sake.
2. The biblical words Elder, Overseer (or Bishop), and Pastor (or Shepherd) all refer to the same church office or group of men.
3. Elders are qualified for the office on the basis of spiritual character, temperament, morality, ethics, reputation and service (things all believers should strive for), not on the basis of particular skills, status, or personality.
4. The duties of Elders include: general oversight of the church, monetary matters, feeding and leading, study and prayer, and warning and watching over the flock.5. Deacons are “servants” or “working helpers” who carry out specific ministry (especially in the area of material needs) under the direction of the Elders.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Servants & Saints (Philippians Series) - July 29, 2007
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First in the Philippians Series, which continues through January 20, 2008.
Recap of July 29, 2007:
1. The church at Philippi was established by Paul on his Second Missionary Journey
(Acts 16:6-40) in about 51 A.D.
2. Some major themes of the book are:
-the possibility of living with joy in spite of difficult circumstances, people, things, the past, or worry.
-the necessity of thinking spiritually, Christianly: the way we live reflects what it is that occupies our thinking. Paul could have joy in the midst of trials because his thinking was consumed by Jesus Christ.
-the necessity of humility in our attitudes and actions towards others, deferring to others, not demanding our way-we are primarily citizens of Heaven and should live as such.
First in the Philippians Series, which continues through January 20, 2008.
Recap of July 29, 2007:
1. The church at Philippi was established by Paul on his Second Missionary Journey
(Acts 16:6-40) in about 51 A.D.
2. Some major themes of the book are:
-the possibility of living with joy in spite of difficult circumstances, people, things, the past, or worry.
-the necessity of thinking spiritually, Christianly: the way we live reflects what it is that occupies our thinking. Paul could have joy in the midst of trials because his thinking was consumed by Jesus Christ.
-the necessity of humility in our attitudes and actions towards others, deferring to others, not demanding our way-we are primarily citizens of Heaven and should live as such.
Monday, July 23, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 13
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The final sermon in the series, God's Design For Marriage (this is part 13).
Recap of July 22, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
-Provide a good home atmosphere (Proverbs 14:1; 12:4)
-Be positive and supportive, not argumentative (Proverbs 21:9; 25:24; 21:19; 27:15,16; 19:13)
The final sermon in the series, God's Design For Marriage (this is part 13).
Recap of July 22, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
-Provide a good home atmosphere (Proverbs 14:1; 12:4)
-Be positive and supportive, not argumentative (Proverbs 21:9; 25:24; 21:19; 27:15,16; 19:13)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 12
Click here to download the sermon file.
12th in the sermon series, God's Design for Marriage
Recap of July 15, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
12th in the sermon series, God's Design for Marriage
Recap of July 15, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 11
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of July 8, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage-Respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18)
Recap of July 8, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage-Respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18)
God's Design For Marriage, Part 10
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of July 1, 2007:
The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33). Leadership that is:
-sacrificial (not selfish)
-nurturing (seeking for our wife’s full development spiritual and as a person)
-caring (providing for and protecting)
-committed
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
Recap of July 1, 2007:
The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33). Leadership that is:
-sacrificial (not selfish)
-nurturing (seeking for our wife’s full development spiritual and as a person)
-caring (providing for and protecting)
-committed
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
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